Thomasville to create traffic division in police department

DAVID BODENHEIMERThe Dispatch

Published: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at 11:00 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at 11:00 p.m.

THOMASVILLE | The Thomasville City Council unanimously accepted a grant from the N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Fund that will create a traffic division within the city’s police department and allow for the hiring of two additional officers.

The grant, totaling $190,697 over four years, will require a $33,652 match from the city. The grant will also help the department purchase two motorcycles for division use.

The newly created division is a first for the department and will consist of a staff of six, Thomasville Police Chief Jeff Insley said on Monday at the council’s regular meeting. Insley wouldn’t talk about any appointments but said he is preparing to release names as early as Wednesday.

The division will focus on traffic enforcement, be trained in reconstructing accidents for investigations and aim to curb drunk driving, among other duties. At least three officers will be on duty seven days a week, Insley said.

“Really since I’ve been here, the large majority of complaints have been speeding,” Insley said. “That will be their focus along with crash reduction. They already have some goals in mind.”

Thomasville has seen an increase in crashes from 2008 through 2009, climbing from 589 crashes to 622. While alcohol-related crashes remained relatively steady over the same time period — 14 in 2008 and 16 in 2009 — the division will participate in all state “Booze It & Loose It” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns.

The council also approved economic incentives for Project Pine after holding a public hearing on the matter. The manufacturing company eyeing Thomasville could bring up to 50 jobs and invest $7.5 million in plant, machinery and equipment in Thomasville. Jordan Googe, project manager for the Davidson County Economic Development Commission, said discussions with Project Pine have been ongoing for about three months.

The council approved the grant at .0028 times the total investment, but not too exceed $20,625 each year for five years.

Monday’s meeting also served as the first for the council without Kelly Craver, the suspended city manager. The council reprimanded Craver for an indefinite amount of time earlier this month following misdemeanor drug charges. The council appointed City Attorney Paul Mitchell to serve as interim manager.

Mitchell thanked the council, city staff and residents for their resolve during this time.

“I might say that since this matter came about there have been numerous positive and negatives said in the public about Mr. Craver as would be expected,” Mitchell said. “Nothing to me speaks more highly than the caliber of the employees and staff that he left me with on Jan. 3. I thank you for your support and I very much like to have it.”

Mitchell’s reference of Craver was the only discussion about him that came up Monday. The council has called for a special closed session meeting on Jan. 26 involving a personnel matter. Craver is due in court on Jan. 25.

David Bodenheimer can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 227 or david.bodenheimer@the-dispatch.com.

<p>THOMASVILLE | The Thomasville City Council unanimously accepted a grant from the N.C. Governor's Highway Safety Fund that will create a traffic division within the city's police department and allow for the hiring of two additional officers.</p><p>The grant, totaling $190,697 over four years, will require a $33,652 match from the city. The grant will also help the department purchase two motorcycles for division use.</p><p>The newly created division is a first for the department and will consist of a staff of six, Thomasville Police Chief Jeff Insley said on Monday at the council's regular meeting. Insley wouldn't talk about any appointments but said he is preparing to release names as early as Wednesday.</p><p>The division will focus on traffic enforcement, be trained in reconstructing accidents for investigations and aim to curb drunk driving, among other duties. At least three officers will be on duty seven days a week, Insley said.</p><p>“Really since I've been here, the large majority of complaints have been speeding,” Insley said. “That will be their focus along with crash reduction. They already have some goals in mind.”</p><p>Thomasville has seen an increase in crashes from 2008 through 2009, climbing from 589 crashes to 622. While alcohol-related crashes remained relatively steady over the same time period — 14 in 2008 and 16 in 2009 — the division will participate in all state “Booze It & Loose It” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns.</p><p>The council also approved economic incentives for Project Pine after holding a public hearing on the matter. The manufacturing company eyeing Thomasville could bring up to 50 jobs and invest $7.5 million in plant, machinery and equipment in Thomasville. Jordan Googe, project manager for the Davidson County Economic Development Commission, said discussions with Project Pine have been ongoing for about three months.</p><p>The council approved the grant at .0028 times the total investment, but not too exceed $20,625 each year for five years.</p><p>Monday's meeting also served as the first for the council without Kelly Craver, the suspended city manager. The council reprimanded Craver for an indefinite amount of time earlier this month following misdemeanor drug charges. The council appointed City Attorney Paul Mitchell to serve as interim manager.</p><p>Mitchell thanked the council, city staff and residents for their resolve during this time.</p><p>“I might say that since this matter came about there have been numerous positive and negatives said in the public about Mr. Craver as would be expected,” Mitchell said. “Nothing to me speaks more highly than the caliber of the employees and staff that he left me with on Jan. 3. I thank you for your support and I very much like to have it.”</p><p>Mitchell's reference of Craver was the only discussion about him that came up Monday. The council has called for a special closed session meeting on Jan. 26 involving a personnel matter. Craver is due in court on Jan. 25.</p><p>David Bodenheimer can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 227 or david.bodenheimer@the-dispatch.com.</p>